Growing an olive tree in a pot

Which pot to choose for an olive tree?

The olive tree needs space to properly develop its root system. It does not appreciate being too cramped. Choose a pot 2 to 3 times larger than the size of the root ball, with a diameter of at least 50 cm, or even larger depending on the size and age of the bush. Your pot must always have drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Indeed, the olive tree does not tolerate stagnant moisture well, especially around its roots.

In terms of material, a terracotta pot will be perfect, as it allows for good root respiration for your olive tree. Its composition also helps with moisture drainage and better temperature regulation. However, it will be heavier than a plastic pot and therefore more difficult to bring indoors in winter in colder regions.

Plastic pots will be more manageable and lighter. Nevertheless, they heat up more quickly in direct sunlight and tend to trap moisture.

Glazed ceramic pots, although very decorative, will combine the disadvantages of the other two and will therefore be the least suitable for an olive tree.

A terracotta pot is the best choice for an olive tree to thrive in its roots

Which substrate to choose?

Like most Mediterranean-origin plants, the olive tree needs a well-drained substrate to eliminate excess watering. This helps prevent moisture stagnation and root rot in the tree. If you have a garden, mix equal parts of ordinary compost with garden soil, then add planting sand. If you do not have a garden, simply mix 3/4 of universal compost with 1/4 of river sand. Add a bit of fertiliser for Mediterranean plants to your substrate to encourage rooting.

When should I plant my olive tree in a pot?

The best time to plant an olive tree in a pot is in spring, when the risk of frost has passed. The mildness of this period encourages good root development and proper hardening of the tree. It is advisable to avoid planting during periods of intense heat in summer or cold in winter.

A small olive tree in a pot (Photo by Pils on Unsplash)

How to plant my olive tree?

The necessary equipment:

• An appropriate medium: a mixture of equal parts of potting soil and garden soil with a bit of sand for planting. Add a bit of fertiliser for Mediterranean plants.
• Clay balls
• An appropriate pot
• A stake
• A bucket containing rainwater
• A watering can

How to properly plant your olive tree in a pot:

1. Pour a layer of clay balls at the bottom of your pot, about 4 to 5 cm thick.
2. Then pour your mixture of potting soil, garden soil, and sand until halfway up the pot. Add a bit of fertiliser for Mediterranean plants.
3. Remove your olive tree from its original pot and moisten the root ball by soaking it for about ten minutes in a bucket of water.
4. Then place the root ball in the middle of the pot. The top of the root ball should be 2 to 3 cm below the rim of the pot.
5. Fill around the root ball by adding medium up to 2 cm from the top of the pot.
6. Firm the potting soil with your hands, then water generously.
7. Insert a stake, then tie your olive tree to keep it stable while it roots.
8. Finally, place your olive tree in full sun, on a balcony or terrace facing south, sheltered from strong winds.

The olive tree enjoys a sunny exposure

Watering, fertilising and maintenance

Watering the potted olive tree

An emblematic tree of the Mediterranean, the olive tree withstands drought when well established in the ground for a few years. In a pot, it will however need to be more regularly watered, generally once a week in summer. In winter, watering should be done once every two weeks in the absence of rain and if the substrate is dry. Be sure to let the soil dry out between waterings. Additionally, never let water stagnate in its saucer.

Repotting

Your olive tree will need to be repotted every 2 to 3 years to renew its substrate and provide it with new nutrients. Take the opportunity to give it a larger pot according to its growth, which is generally rather slow. For very large and older specimens, simply changing the topsoil and adding organic matter, for example in the form of well-matured compost, will suffice.

Cold and wintering

The potted olive tree will be more sensitive to winter cold than one in the ground. Frost can be fatal when temperatures drop below -10 °C, or even -5 °C if it is still young. In cold regions, it will need to be moved to a greenhouse, conservatory, or a bright, unheated room. Bring your olive tree out as soon as the risk of frost has passed. It can also be protected from exceptional frosts with a winter cover, but only temporarily and ensuring good ventilation during the day. Also, consider protecting the pot by wrapping it in cardboard, bubble wrap, or an old blanket.

Pruning the potted olive tree

In spring, you can remove any dry or unsightly branches from your tree using a pruning shear that has been cleaned beforehand.

⇒ Also read: Pruning the olive tree: regularity, methods, and tips… Everything you need to know!

You can also mist the foliage of olive trees in the evening during heatwaves or if it is wintered indoors.

For further reading

• Discover our varieties of olive trees
• To learn all about this splendid tree, explore our sheet on the Olive tree, Olea Europaea: planting, pruning